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Environmental Management System
What is an EMS? An Environmental Management System, or EMS, is a set of management processes and procedures that allow an organization to analyze, control and reduce the environmental impacts of its activities, products and services and operate with greater efficiency and control. An EMS provides tools to help manage our organization’s environmental impacts efficiently and effectively and to improve environmental stewardship across the entire organization. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) rewards organizations implementing EMS programs. There are three levels of participation in the program: Environmental Enterprise (E2), Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) AND Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise (E4). · The Environmental Enterprise (E2) level is for organizations that are interested in, or, like our City, are in the early stages of implementing an EMS. · The Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) level is for those organizations with a fully-implemented EMS, pollution prevention program, and demonstrated performance. · The Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise (E4) level is for those organizations that meet the criteria for participation as an E3 facility and have implemented and completed at least one full cycle of an EMS as verified by an unrelated third-party qualified to audit EMSs and is committed to measures for continuous and sustainable environmental progress and community involvement. Awards Ceremony The current goal of the City is to reach the E3 level for all of its facilities participating in the program. E4 status is very selective and generally intended for industrial enterprises. EMS Facilities & Teams City Shop Tyler Street E2 facility since 2/2003 Team Members Zolly Hawthorne Robert Crosen Jr. Bryant Skinner Nena Heflin Billy Alexander, School Board Fredericksburg Princess Anne Street & E2 facility since 12/2004 Fire Department Altoona Drive locations Team Members John Nunnally Jay Babcock Jay Skinner Parks, Recreation & Canal Street E2 facility since 12/2004 Public Facilities Team Members James Bell John Kongquee Wastewater Treatment Plant Beulah Salisbury Drive Program Begun 3/2005 Team Members Alan Caldwell Kimberly Klock Reggie Coleman City EMS Team Oversees program development Began working 3/2002 at all City facilities Team Members Rodger Daft Chuck Dagenhart EMS Interns from UMW Meghann Slattery
University of Mary Washington Internship The City EMS Team, which oversees EMS development and implementation at all City facilities and assists facility teams as needed, currently utilizes an internship program through UMW. Through the internship, students who major in Environmental Science or any other related area of study may gain exposure to a working program in a government setting. Also by way of internship, City team members are able to access and utilize the most current teachings in the environmental field to benefit our programs.
City Policy & Commitment On March 20, 2002 the City Environmental Policy was originated. The current policy reads as follows: The City of Fredericksburg, Virginia is committed to the protection of the environment while providing first class municipal activities, products, and services to its citizens and visitors. The City of Fredericksburg, Virginia will meet these responsibilities by developing practical recommendations in order to: · Meet or exceed all applicable environmental legislations, regulations, and internal requirements, and municipal standards; · Educate and train our city employees for increased awareness of environmental issues relative to our operations and improved environmental performance; · Practice the principles of pollution prevention; · Continue to improve our environmental management system and make it an integral part of our standard business practices; · Set and periodically review environmental objectives and targets; · Identify and implement methods to reduce and generate of solid and hazardous waste; and · Encourage and increase citizen awareness and involvement in efforts to protect the environment. Pollution prevention is an individual, as well as collective, responsibility of all City employees. This commitment to protect the environment is required of all city employees, whether in the field or an office and from the newest hire to the most senior. -Phillip L. Rodenberg, City Manager Questions or Comments If you have questions or comments regarding the City’s EMS development and environmental commitment, please email us at: emsTeam
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